Categories

You are here:

Category Archives: The Banff Insider Blog

Best Themed Bar in Banff

Banff National Park, Alberta

I never really understood what a themed bar was. I figured if I was in Ireland, it was an Irish bar unless it said Papa Giorgio’s Italian barra (probably not how it is spelt). Well Banff has a nightlife to compete with any of the big cities in the world and it being so small means you can literally visit them all if you have the energy, money and staying power. So in my calculations, a Canadian bar in Banff is anything that is named after a native animal. Examples: The Elk, The Bison, Timber’s (kind of like Timberwolves’s).

One of the half empty / half full famous margeritas of the Magpie and Stump!

With this in mind, I am going to announce hypocrisy in my own blog and announce the Magpie and Stump as the best themed bar in Banff. In my defence, the Magpie is not a Canadian saying and is in fact an old saying from olde England. St. James’ Gate is a good Irish bar, Wild Bill’s is a fun …western bar and the Pump and Tap is an apt English bar but The Magpie and Stump is the only bar / restaurant that really fulfills its description as a themed bar.

Its menu as far as food is concerned is massive and delicious. If you decide to have a bite to eat, keep in mind how big the portions are. You can definitely share a main course. Every day there is a different special on and there is a great selection of margaritas to attempt to drink. When the sun comes out, there is a great late afternoon drinking spot outside. The decorations are so over the top that you can’t help but feel like you are indeed in the craziness of a Mexican bar but with less moustaches and kidnap threats! Best bar in Banff award goes to the Magpie and Stump located on Caribou Street.

Getting from Calgary Airport to Banff National Park

Banff National Park, Alberta

Considering Calgary is only a 90 minute drive to Banff (when you don’t get lost), it really seems like a thousand miles away. They are very, very different places. If you are going to be visiting Canmore,Banff or Lake Louise to get away from the rat race and the big cities then what you will want to do is get the first bus from the airport to these gorgeous towns. Really, it couldn’t be easier. There are a few companies that do this service. You will find their desks at the exit of the airport but if you want to book beforehand, which you should in peak season, here is all the info.

The feeling as you enter Banff is one of immense excitement and serenity.

Many a time I have travelled on both of these buses. Price wise they are similar – around the $50 mark. The drivers were always professional and fun. You just tell them the hotel you are going to be staying in and within an hour and a half you will be dropped to the door of your hotel ready to start your vacation.

It is a truly great feeling when you see the mountains for the first time as you come towards Kananaskis Country and when the Banff exit sign pops up, no matter how many times you have been, you get excited. Banff National Park and Lake Louise are two of the most beautiful places in the world and there is no time to waste in getting there from the big cities!

Bear Safety and Awareness in Banff National Park

Banff National Park, Alberta

There are all kinds of rhyming advice that I can never remember about bears. I always fear that when I do eventually come across a real live wild bear, I will still be trying to sort out the rhymes as he nibbles on my shins…’If’s it Brown, hit the ground, if it’s black fight back’. Nothing in this rhyme does anything to quell my fears. I don’t want to play dead with a monstrous bear – he is not a 3 year old child looking for a laugh. Nor do I want to get the boxing gloves on and do a few rounds with Mr. Black Bear. Instead, here is the coward’s way to simply avoid unwanted bears in Banff National Park.

If you see a Grizzly, bear right.

Be noisy. North Americans usually have this one covered anyway. If you are feeling nervous, just start clapping or shouting. It is a well known fact that bears can’t stand Madonna’s music so a bit of Vogue may save your life.

Pets: This is one of the most common ways to get in trouble with a bear. Whereas humans go out of their way to avoid Grizzlies, dogs do the opposite. The animals can smell each other and will seek each other out. Two choices: Sacrifice the dog or leave him at home.

Be Careful with your food: It wouldn’t be nice to start cooking a beautiful meal at an obesity convention. Along the same vein, it’s best not to tempt bears by leaving food around the campsite. There are many stories about people who have enjoyed a good meal over the fire followed by 42 beers and woke up with a looming shadow over the tent. Clean the place before the 42 beers.

Common sense: Bears may be big, strong, intelligent, fast and furry but they are generally not looking for trouble. Like an ex girlfriend, you will both try and avoid each other and the best way to go about it is to keep your eyes open and use a bit of common sense. Banff National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the world and you are guaranteed to have a great time especially if you can avoid that ex-girlfriend!

Renting Bikes in Banff

Banff National Park

When it comes to rentals in Banff whether it is for skis, hiking gear or bikes, my advice is always the same – shop around. Take advantage of the competition in town and don’t just run into the first shop that advertises bikes for rent. The prices and quality of the equipment can vary greatly from shop to shop. To make your choices easier, here are a few options for you to rent bikes in Banff.

Banff is an ideal place to bike.

Banff Travel – 211 Bear Street

Banff Travel can organise all tours and activities for you as well as just providing the bikes.

Snowtips / BackTrax – 225 Bear Street

The staff in here and extremely helpful and friendly and they have one of the biggest selections of bikes in Banff.

Showcase – Cascade Mall

Probably the cheapest option in town though the selection of bikes isn’t quite as vast as Backtrax.

Summer in Banff – Where to have Coffee

Banff National Park, Alberta

I really can’t tell if it is because it seems like it has been the longest winter in Banff or whether it really is sweltering but simply put the weather is stunning right now in Banff and the Rockies. There isn’t a trace of snow around town. Though this may be bad news for the ski lovers, the plus side is that when you are skiing, it will be under cobalt skies in nothing bud a hoody (and probably trousers). Better again, you can now sit around town and enjoy a beer or a coffee with the heat of the sun on your back and the stunning views of the Canadian Rockies all around you. The word ‘heaven’ comes to mind. So where are the best places to catch the sun with a coffee in Banff?

Who doesn't love to bask in the sun?!

Morning:

Evelyn’s Cafe (2 on Banff Avenue – soon to be 3)

There aren’t many tables but if you manage to make it out of your hotel before noon, you can sit here in the fresh morning mountain air, read the newspaper and enjoy a late in what surely must be one of the finest surrounds in the world.

Afternoon:

Nester’s Market – 122 Bear Street

It may not be the best coffee in town but it is one of the cheapest and more importantly it has lots of outdoor seats. The sun hits here about 1pm and the wall also traps any breezes so you are in a little sun bath. Better again; you could have a mini picnic right outside the supermarket.

Evening:

Wild Bill’s or Legion – Banff Avenue

Due to its massive balcony, Wild Bill’s catches the sun almost to its death. Having dinner out here at about 6pm is one of the nicest things to do in Banff. The views down on Banff Avenue are the best in town as well.

The Legion has hands down the best beer deck in the evening in town. Cheap jugs of beer, located right by the water with wildlife always popping around, lots of tables and seats for friends – perfect. The legion is the perfect way to wind down your day in Banff after a day of hiking or biking.

Eating on a Budget in Banff – Wild Bill’s

Banff National Park, Alberta

Sometimes while thinking about dining in Banff, I feel sorry for Alberta cows. As a man who always eats on a budget, I have found every single lunch special in Banff and I am beginning to detect a trend. Steak sandwiches are always on offer. Every day in Tommy’s and the Balkan, you can get a steak for less than $10 for example. However, price wise at least on a Monday, you may not find a cheaper meal in all the Rockies, let alone Banff, than in Wild Bill’s on Banff Avenue.

Wild Bill's is more than just a fun place to party at night.

Even those who work at the ridiculous minimum wage in Canadian cafes can afford the $6 asking price for the steak sandwich and fries and you could do a hell of a lot worse location wise too. If you get a table by the window, you can look down on the crowds on Banff Avenue while tucking into your secretly cheap lunch. Well…it probably isn’t that much of a secret considering there is a massive blackboard outside the restaurant telling you about it.

If you are looking for real quality in food, you have probably stopped reading this blog by now. However, there are tons of options in Banff such as the Maple Leaf adjacent to Wild Bill’s but as far as budget eating goes, Mondays in Wild Bill’s Restaurant can’t be beaten. It would be a big mis-steak to miss it. Sorry.

Where to go for an Indoor Swim in Banff

Banff National Park, Alberta

Swimming is cool. Or at least it is in Banff where nearly all of the rivers and lakes are glacially fed meaning that the water is cold enough to cause organs to retreat back into the body. Furthermore, it is cold a lot here anyway. Summer is gorgeous but it is only 4 short months long. So if you want to go for a swim in Banff without catching pneumonia, here are the best options:

Swimming is a great way to unwind after a day of hiking or skiing.

Banff Springs:

Pro’s – It is luxurious, there is a choice of mineral pool, indoor and outdoor pool with a thousand other options to spoil yourself. Did I mention it is very luxurious?!

Con’s – A few trips here if you aren’t staying would be enough to buy your own swimming pool!

Banff Centre – Sally Borden Gym

Pro’s – Beautiful location overlooking the Bow Valley and with mountain views everywhere. Only $10 drop in charge or $4 between 5 and 7pm. Friendly staff, nice cafeteria with view of swimming pool and mountains and a gentle, scenic walk back down to Banff.

Hikes of the Canadian Rockies – Sunshine Meadows

Banff National Park, Alberta

Hiking is one of the most popular activities to do in the Canadian Rockies and it no wonder why. Wildlife chill out in the hills in abundance, anytime you go above half a metre in height, you are rewarded with views to make the world envious. The Sunshine Meadows are locally regarded as some of the most stunning alpine settings in the Canadian Rockies. Situated at an average elevation of 2220m, the Meadows straddle the Continental Divide and the boundary between Alberta and BC. As far as summer activities around Banff and the Rockies go – this is a winner.

The sights from Sunshine Meadows are among the most beautiful in the world.

Often described as the ‘Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies’ and also Banff National Park’s highest peak, Mt. Assiniboine and the Sunshine Meadows are an absolutely stunning backdrop for a hike. There are easy walks that will take a few hours only and there are also more challenging day long hikes. Make sure to bring your camera because the sights you will be seeing are hard to put into words. Animals, rainbow coloured flowers and swaying trees are all on the menu.

It is the kind of place that can be visited by anyone whether it is a family or a group of fit and experienced hikers. If you would like to do it as part of a crew, there are options available with experience hikers. It is located where the Sunshine Ski Area is, only 6km from Banff itself. It is probably a better option to drive to the base and tackle it from there. A summer trip to Banff needn’t be expensive if you have the right gear and knowledge about the surrounding hikes.

Hotels of Banff – The Homestead Inn

Banff National Park, Alberta

The popularity of Banff over the years has only grown. Places like Lake Louise and Jasper haven’t changed too dramatically but as a hub of activities and accommodations, Banff is huge. The question arises then – based on budget, location, reputation and specials, where should one stay when they come to this gorgeous National Park?

If you don't fancy sleeping outside in Banff National Park, the Homestead Inn is a superb option.

Well the Homestead Inn is one good option. Located right across the road from the Banff Park Lodge, it offers a more intimate and relaxed setting. It has 27 spacious guest rooms located on 3 floors with lots of parking including a nearby heated underground car park. The first thing that grabs you about the Homestead is the greenery that surrounds it. There is an abundance of green space and mature trees like you might expect to see by a house in the Lord of the Rings…but slightly bigger.

Each room contains a Queen bed or 2 double beds and wireless internet is available throughout the whole hotel so you can read certain Banff Insider’s informative and hilarious blogs from the comfort of your own room. If you can throw a stone a decent distance, it is within a stone’s throw of all Banff’s activities, restaurants, pubs and shops.

Renting Skis and Snowboards in Banff, Alberta

Banff National Park, Alberta

Spring is officially here. The days are stretching longer every evening and shorts are beginning to make an appearance on formerly thermalled legs. It is already possible to tackle some of the easier hikes without spikes. However, despite all of this, there is still some great skiing and snowboarding to be had. The Lake Louise ski area for example still has some superb snow and there is no better feeling than donning the sunglasses wearing only a hoody and storming down the slopes. So, if you are coming up to Banff or Lake Louise for a ski week, where to rent all the equipment?

Banff is full of shops that rent out gear for skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing and hiking.

As I have been too lazy to buy my own skis all season, I have pretty much rented in every single shop there is in town. I have cut the options down to the two best taking price, quality and friendliness of staff into account.

ShowCase – Cascade Mall

The staff in here is one of the main reasons I keep coming back. They actually care that you have the right fitting boots, skis and boards. They want you to have a good time out on the slopes even if they are bitter that they are working during a big dump of snow. Better again; their prices are cheap compared to the competition with full packages for as little as $25 a day.

Abominable Sports – 229 Banff Avenue

Second prize goes to Abominable Sports. Again the staff is super friendly and they have a very comprehensive ski and snowboard rental selection to choose from. Though a little more on the pricey side of things, there are some great deals to be found in here. Now all that’s left to do is book Banff Accommodation and start skiing!